CinemaLit: The Way He Looks (2013) | Friday, April 26, 2024 - 6:00 pm
Limited Spots | Storytelling Showcase with Kate Ferrell Wednesdays May 8–June 26 | 6:00 pm | 6 sessions | Learn More
Jeffrey Thomas Leong will be reading from his books Wild Geese Sorrow: The Chinese Wall Inscriptions at Angel Island and Writ. This special session of Mechanics' Institute's Monday Noontime History Series is presented in partnership with the Center for the Art of Translation and marks the intersection of National Poetry Month (April) and AAPI Heritage Month (May).
Current Drop-In Hours:
Join us and a selection of poets – some local, some far flung - to explore how "poetry provides pathways for creative and cathartic human expression and peace."
If you are a new, long-time, or prospective member, the Tour of the Institute will orient you to our building, include an overview of our history and mission, and outline our current services and the benefits of membership.
Dive into the rich tapestry of global literature with this inaugural meeting of the Contemporary Translated Works Book Group, presented in partnership with the Center for the Art of Translation. This literary journey begins with Beijing Sprawl by Xu Zechen (China), a narrative that invites you to explore the vibrant heart of contemporary Chinese fiction.
Join us - beginner or intermediate player - and learn the fundamentals of the Royal Game with Lead Chess Coach Marcie Yang. This class will be held on Thursdays, May 2-June 13 from 5:30-6:30 pm.
Members will explore the various aspects of genealogy research including methods, sources, and labor-saving short-cuts. Learn about Bay Area genealogy resources, best practices for searching Ancestry.com and other online research tools. This initial session will serve as a starting point for us, during which we will discuss specific topics of future genealogy skill-share sessions.
Join the Chess Room for Chess Socials on the first Friday of each month.
Cat on a Hot Tin Roof was a Broadway sensation, and the film adaptation had a pitch-perfect ensemble including Taylor and Paul Newman.
The next documentary in Glenn Lym's ongoing series on the architectural history in the SF Bay Area and beyond. Part of the Monday Noontime History Series. [Note: This is the first of two sessions of Glenn Lym's presentation. To register for the second session, please click here.]
Current Drop-In Hours:
If you are a new, long-time, or prospective member, the Tour of the Institute will orient you to our building, include an overview of our history and mission, and outline our current services and the benefits of membership.
Unlock the power of your story in this multi-session workshop with Kate Farrell! Hosted onsite at Mechanics' Institute, our workshop is more than just a learning experience—it's a journey towards discovering your unique storytelling style, whether for personal enjoyment or professional enhancement. This multi-session storytelling workshop is limited to 25 people, and the ticket price includes a copy of Story Power: Secrets to Creating, Crafting, and Telling Memorable Stories.
Discuss The Real Life of Sebastian Knight by Vladimir Nabokov with fellow members.
Our hybrid meetings take place in the 4th Floor Board Room at Mechanics' Institute and virtually on Zoom.
Join author Monika Zgustova and translator and writer Sabrina Jaszi in conversation on Zgustova's new novel detailing the life of Vera Nabokov, A Revolver to Carry at Night.
Join a tour of the Institute to learn about our historical landmark building, our history and mission, and our current services and benefits of membership. Light refreshments will be available during the welcome reception and complimentary beverages will be shared.
Based on Theodore Dreiser’s novel, A Place in the Sun contains Taylor’s first grown-up role worthy of her talent and magnetism.
Discuss In the Woods by Tana French with fellow members. Brown Bag Mystery Readers (BBMR) is a member-led Book Group meeting every second Monday onsite in the 4th Floor Board Room at Mechanics' Institute.
Current Drop-In Hours:
Mechanics' Institute cordially invites you to the premiere of Game Night, nestled within the enchanting surroundings in our library on the second floor. For this inaugural gathering, we celebrate the timeless game of Scrabble — a battle of wits, words, and wisdom.
If you are a new, long-time, or prospective member, the Tour of the Institute will orient you to our building, include an overview of our history and mission, and outline our current services and the benefits of membership.
Mechanics' Institute is delighted to collaborate with Catamaran to celebrate their Spring 2024 edition. Featured writers include Andrew Fague, Charles Hood, Amethyst Loscocco, Lou Mathews, Claire Oshetsky, Alison Turner, and Todd Turnidge, who will read from their works.
Join Mechanics' Institute for a discussion on the topic "Crafting Books and Stories for Children and Youth" with Lisa Brown, Glodean Champion, and Oliver Chin. This event will be moderated by Sheryl J. Bize-Boutte.
At age 12, Elizabeth Taylor took on her first leading role as Velvet Brown, an English country girl who competes in the Grand National.
Gather 'round as a family to hear stories and make crafts nestled in the Library of the Mechanics' Institute! We’ll read 2-3 stories appropriate for children age 8 and younger plus make a fun craft to take home. Family Story Hour takes place on the 2nd floor in the Library. All are welcome!
Come and join GM Jacek Stopa for his new set of one day intensive classes on openings! For the second session, this course will explore some of the most modern lines of the very popular Catalan Opening from White's perspective.
Current Drop-In Hours:
The next documentary in Glenn Lym's ongoing series on the architectural history in the SF Bay Area and beyond. Part of the Monday Noontime History Series. [Note: This is the second of two sessions of Glenn Lym's presentation. To register for the first session, please click here.]
Current Drop-In Hours:
Join educator and author Christopher Marmolejo for this participatory book talk for Red Tarot in anticipation of World Tarot Day.
If you are a new, long-time, or prospective member, the Tour of the Institute will orient you to our building, include an overview of our history and mission, and outline our current services and the benefits of membership.
Discuss The Woman in the Dunes by Kōbō Abe with fellow members.
Our hybrid meetings take place in the 4th Floor Board Room at Mechanics' Institute and virtually on Zoom.
Join acclaimed playwright Octavio Solis in conversation with director David Mendizábal on their upcoming production of Mother Road at Berkeley Repertory Theater.
Join us for our Biannual Members Meeting of Mechanics' Institute on Zoom and onsite, to hear from fellow members, tenants, staff, and trustees.
Current Drop-In Hours:
If you are a new, long-time, or prospective member, the Tour of the Institute will orient you to our building, include an overview of our history and mission, and outline our current services and the benefits of membership.
Join a monthly evening of laughter and storytelling as local author & host of "The Moth," Corey Rosen, returns to Mechanics' Institute!
The part of Martha in Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? liberated Taylor like no other role, and her volcanic performance earned her an Oscar.
If you are a new, long-time, or prospective member, the Tour of the Institute will orient you to our building, include an overview of our history and mission, and outline our current services and the benefits of membership.
Dive into the rich tapestry of global literature with this inaugural meeting of the Contemporary Translated Works Book Group, presented in partnership with the Center for the Art of Translation. This literary journey begins with Beijing Sprawl by Xu Zechen (China), a narrative that invites you to explore the vibrant heart of contemporary Chinese fiction.
Members will explore the extensive online film and TV library, learn how to search and save their favorite videos, and navigate the "ticket system." Kanopy is an incredible and diverse resource for film buffs, particularly CinemaLit attendees!
Join the Chess Room for Chess Socials on the first Friday of each month.
Discuss A Dance at the Slaughterhouse by Lawrence Block with fellow members. Brown Bag Mystery Readers (BBMR) is a member-led Book Group meeting every second Monday onsite in the 4th Floor Board Room at Mechanics' Institute.
If you are a new, long-time, or prospective member, the Tour of the Institute will orient you to our building, include an overview of our history and mission, and outline our current services and the benefits of membership.
Discuss The Dwarf by Pär Lagerkvist with fellow members.
Our hybrid meetings take place in the 4th Floor Board Room at Mechanics' Institute and virtually on Zoom.
Join a tour of the Institute to learn about our historical landmark building, our history and mission, and our current services and benefits of membership. Light refreshments will be available during the welcome reception and complimentary beverages will be shared.
Gather 'round as a family to hear stories and make crafts nestled in the Library of the Mechanics' Institute! We’ll read 2-3 stories appropriate for children age 8 and younger plus make a fun craft to take home. Family Story Hour takes place on the 2nd floor in the Library. All are welcome!
Current Drop-In Hours:
If you are a new, long-time, or prospective member, the Tour of the Institute will orient you to our building, include an overview of our history and mission, and outline our current services and the benefits of membership.
Discuss The Complete Stories by Flannery O'Connor with fellow members.
Our hybrid meetings take place in the 4th Floor Board Room at Mechanics' Institute and virtually on Zoom.
If you are a new, long-time, or prospective member, the Tour of the Institute will orient you to our building, include an overview of our history and mission, and outline our current services and the benefits of membership.
Join the Chess Room for Chess Socials on the first Friday of each month.
Discuss Perfume: The Story of a Murderer by Patrick Süskind with fellow members. Brown Bag Mystery Readers (BBMR) is a member-led Book Group meeting every second Monday onsite in the 4th Floor Board Room at Mechanics' Institute.
If you are a new, long-time, or prospective member, the Tour of the Institute will orient you to our building, include an overview of our history and mission, and outline our current services and the benefits of membership.
Discuss The Pole by J. M. Coetzee with fellow members.
Our hybrid meetings take place in the 4th Floor Board Room at Mechanics' Institute and virtually on Zoom.
If you are a new, long-time, or prospective member, the Tour of the Institute will orient you to our building, include an overview of our history and mission, and outline our current services and the benefits of membership.
Gather 'round as a family to hear stories and make crafts nestled in the Library of the Mechanics' Institute! We’ll read 2-3 stories appropriate for children age 8 and younger plus make a fun craft to take home. Family Story Hour takes place on the 2nd floor in the Library. All are welcome!
Current Drop-In Hours:
If you are a new, long-time, or prospective member, the Tour of the Institute will orient you to our building, include an overview of our history and mission, and outline our current services and the benefits of membership.
Discuss City of Glass by Paul Auster with fellow members.
Our hybrid meetings take place in the 4th Floor Board Room at Mechanics' Institute and virtually on Zoom.
If you are a new, long-time, or prospective member, the Tour of the Institute will orient you to our building, include an overview of our history and mission, and outline our current services and the benefits of membership.
Join the Chess Room for Chess Socials on the first Friday of each month.
If you are a new, long-time, or prospective member, the Tour of the Institute will orient you to our building, include an overview of our history and mission, and outline our current services and the benefits of membership.
Discuss The James Joyce Murder by Amanda Cross with fellow members. Brown Bag Mystery Readers (BBMR) is a member-led Book Group meeting every second Monday onsite in the 4th Floor Board Room at Mechanics' Institute.
If you are a new, long-time, or prospective member, the Tour of the Institute will orient you to our building, include an overview of our history and mission, and outline our current services and the benefits of membership.
Discuss The Makioka Sisters (Part I) by Jun'ichirō Tanizaki with fellow members.
Our hybrid meetings take place in the 4th Floor Board Room at Mechanics' Institute and virtually on Zoom.
Gather 'round as a family to hear stories and make crafts nestled in the Library of the Mechanics' Institute! We’ll read 2-3 stories appropriate for children age 8 and younger plus make a fun craft to take home. Family Story Hour takes place on the 2nd floor in the Library. All are welcome!
Current Drop-In Hours:
If you are a new, long-time, or prospective member, the Tour of the Institute will orient you to our building, include an overview of our history and mission, and outline our current services and the benefits of membership.
If you are a new, long-time, or prospective member, the Tour of the Institute will orient you to our building, include an overview of our history and mission, and outline our current services and the benefits of membership.
Discuss The Makioka Sisters (Part II) by Jun'ichirō Tanizaki with fellow members.
Our hybrid meetings take place in the 4th Floor Board Room at Mechanics' Institute and virtually on Zoom.
If you are a new, long-time, or prospective member, the Tour of the Institute will orient you to our building, include an overview of our history and mission, and outline our current services and the benefits of membership.
Join the Chess Room for Chess Socials on the first Friday of each month.
Discuss March Violets by Philip Kerr with fellow members. Brown Bag Mystery Readers (BBMR) is a member-led Book Group meeting every second Monday onsite in the 4th Floor Board Room at Mechanics' Institute.
If you are a new, long-time, or prospective member, the Tour of the Institute will orient you to our building, include an overview of our history and mission, and outline our current services and the benefits of membership.
Discuss Beyond the Door of No Return by David Diop with fellow members.
Our hybrid meetings take place in the 4th Floor Board Room at Mechanics' Institute and virtually on Zoom.
If you are a new, long-time, or prospective member, the Tour of the Institute will orient you to our building, include an overview of our history and mission, and outline our current services and the benefits of membership.
Gather 'round as a family to hear stories and make crafts nestled in the Library of the Mechanics' Institute! We’ll read 2-3 stories appropriate for children age 8 and younger plus make a fun craft to take home. Family Story Hour takes place on the 2nd floor in the Library. All are welcome!
Current Drop-In Hours:
If you are a new, long-time, or prospective member, the Tour of the Institute will orient you to our building, include an overview of our history and mission, and outline our current services and the benefits of membership.
Discuss The Radetzky March (Part I) by Joseph Roth with fellow members.
Our hybrid meetings take place in the 4th Floor Board Room at Mechanics' Institute and virtually on Zoom.
If you are a new, long-time, or prospective member, the Tour of the Institute will orient you to our building, include an overview of our history and mission, and outline our current services and the benefits of membership.
Join the Chess Room for Chess Socials on the first Friday of each month.
If you are a new, long-time, or prospective member, the Tour of the Institute will orient you to our building, include an overview of our history and mission, and outline our current services and the benefits of membership.
Discuss The Radetzky March (Part II) by Joseph Roth with fellow members.
Our hybrid meetings take place in the 4th Floor Board Room at Mechanics' Institute and virtually on Zoom.
If you are a new, long-time, or prospective member, the Tour of the Institute will orient you to our building, include an overview of our history and mission, and outline our current services and the benefits of membership.
Gather 'round as a family to hear stories and make crafts nestled in the Library of the Mechanics' Institute! We’ll read 2-3 stories appropriate for children age 8 and younger plus make a fun craft to take home. Family Story Hour takes place on the 2nd floor in the Library. All are welcome!
Current Drop-In Hours:
If you are a new, long-time, or prospective member, the Tour of the Institute will orient you to our building, include an overview of our history and mission, and outline our current services and the benefits of membership.